Haw. R. Sup. Ct. 8.7
Upon determining that further proceedings should be had, the Commission shall request the supreme court to appoint special counsel to further investigate the matter. The supreme court, however, may also, upon receipt of the report from the Commission pursuant to Rule 8.6 of these Rules, review the record de novo and, in its discretion, appoint special counsel sua sponte. In either case, Counsel, upon further investigation, shall either report to the Commission that a formal hearing is not necessary or shall initiated formal disciplinary proceedings as provided in Rule 8.9 of these Rules. The Office of Disciplinary Counsel may be appointed as special counsel, subject to the approval of the chairperson of the Disciplinary Board.
Haw. R. Sup. Ct. 8.7